Sequential Passivation for Lead-Free Tin Perovskite Solar Cells with High Efficiency

Lead-free tin perovskite solar cells (PKSCs) have attracted tremendous interest as a replacement for toxic lead-based PKSCs. Nevertheless, the efficiency is significantly low due to the rough surface morphology and high number of defects, which are caused by the fast crystallization and easy oxidization. In this study, a facile and universal posttreatment strategy of sequential passivation with acetylacetone (ACAC) and ethylenediamine (EDA) is proposed. The results show that ACAC can reduce the trap density and enlarge the grain size (short-circuit current (J(sc)) enhancement), while EDA can bond the undercoordinated tin and regulate the energy level (open-circuit voltage (V-oc) enhancement). A promising 13 % efficiency is achieved with better stability. In addition, other combinations of diketones or amines are selected, with similar effects. This study provides a universal strategy to enhance the crystallinity and passivate defects while fabricating stable PKSCs with high efficiency.

Automated summary

Lead-free tin perovskite solar cells (PKSCs) have low efficiency due to rough surface morphology and high number of defects. A posttreatment strategy using sequential passivation with acetylacetone (ACAC) and ethylenediamine (EDA) is proposed to reduce trap density, enlarge grain size, and regulate energy level. The study achieves a promising 13% efficiency with better stability.